KR102258214B1 - Virtual golf device predicting shot result and method for operating the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a virtual golf device including a storage unit, a prediction unit, and a display unit, and an operating method thereof. The storage unit stores information of a plurality of users, the prediction unit predicts the hitting result before the user currently playing hits the golf ball, and the display unit displays the hitting result predicted by the prediction unit. The prediction unit predicts the hitting result based on information of a user belonging to a sample group consisting of at least one of a plurality of users.

Description

Virtual golf device predicting hitting result and operation method of virtual golf device {VIRTUAL GOLF DEVICE PREDICTING SHOT RESULT AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME}

The present invention relates to a virtual golf apparatus and an operating method of the virtual golf apparatus, and more particularly, by predicting and showing a hitting result before hitting a user using screen golf to arouse interest in the user and further improve the user's golf skills It relates to a virtual golf apparatus for predicting a possible hitting result and an operating method of the virtual golf apparatus.

Recently, as the golf population increases, screen golf in which golf can be enjoyed using a virtual golf device and the like has been widely distributed. In screen golf, because the image of the golf course is displayed through the screen, it gives the impression that you are playing an actual golf game outdoors, and saves time and money compared to playing in an outdoor field. It is very popular among busy modern people who find it difficult to play outdoor golf for economic reasons.

However, as more and more people use the screen golf game and the expectations of users increase, screen golf is also required to provide more diverse services to arouse users' interest. Therefore, screen golf not only provides the reality as if you are playing on an actual golf course, but also improves the user's convenience by providing content specialized for screen golf, which is difficult to provide at actual golf courses due to the nature of the service through various advanced devices and systems. There is a need.

The present invention was invented in view of the above circumstances, and provides a virtual golf device and an operating method thereof, which can induce interest in users and improve their golf skills by predicting and showing the hitting results to users who use screen golf. for that purpose to provide.

In addition, other objects of the present invention can be clearly understood from the following description and accompanying drawings.

A virtual golf apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object includes a storage unit, a prediction unit and a display unit. The storage unit stores information of a plurality of users, the prediction unit predicts the hitting result before the user currently playing hits the golf ball, and the display unit displays the hitting result predicted by the prediction unit. The prediction unit predicts the hitting result based on information of a user belonging to a sample group consisting of at least one of a plurality of users.

In the virtual golf device, each of the plurality of users may have a level calculated based on their own information.

In the virtual golf device, the information used to calculate the level may include at least one of a play count, play time, play record, gender, and age.

In the virtual golf device, the sample group may include a currently playing user and a user of the same level as the currently playing user. Here, the sample group may further include a user with a level higher or lower than the level of the currently playing user.

In the virtual golf device, a virtual player who hits according to the hitting result predicted by the prediction unit may be provided so as to compete with the user who is currently playing. In addition, the currently playing user includes a first user and a second user, and the virtual player hits according to a hitting result predicted for the first user, and the first virtual player and the second player compete with the first user. and a second virtual player competing against the second user by hitting according to the hitting result predicted for the user, wherein the match result between the first user and the first virtual player and between the second user and the second virtual player Based on the match result, it is possible to indirectly compete between the first and second users.

In the virtual golf device, the predicted hitting result may include at least one of a flying distance of a hit golf ball, an expected number of strokes from a specific golf course to a hole-in, and whether the hitting will be successful in a specific situation.

In the virtual golf device, the predicted hitting results are plural, the prediction unit calculates a probability for each of the plurality of hitting results, and the display unit can display the plurality of hitting results and the probability for each hitting result have.

A method of operating a virtual golf device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a storage step of storing information of a plurality of users, a prediction step of predicting a hitting result before a currently playing user hits a golf ball, and a prediction step predicted in the prediction step A display step of displaying the hitting result is included. The predicting step predicts the hitting result based on the information of the user belonging to the sample group consisting of at least one of the plurality of users.

In the operating method of the virtual golf device, each of the plurality of users may have a level calculated based on their own information.

In the operating method of the virtual golf device, the information used to determine the level may include at least one of a number of plays, a play time, a play record, a gender, and an age.

In the operating method of the virtual golf apparatus, the sample group may include a currently playing user and a user having the same level as the currently playing user. Here, the sample group may further include a user with a level higher or lower than the level of the currently playing user.

According to the virtual golf apparatus and the operating method of the virtual golf apparatus of the present invention, by predicting and showing a hitting result to a user using screen golf, there is an effect that can induce interest in screen golf and further improve golf skills.

1 is a view showing a schematic structure of a virtual golf apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the relationship between the main components of the virtual golf device of FIG. 1 .
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of the virtual golf apparatus of FIG. 1 .
4 to 6 are diagrams illustrating a detailed structure of the storage unit of FIG. 2 .
7 is a view showing a selection range of various sample groups.
8 and 9 are views showing a screen screen on which the predicted hitting result is displayed.
10 to 12 are views showing schematic structures of various types of virtual golf apparatuses according to another embodiment of the present invention.
13 is a block diagram illustrating a relationship between main components of a virtual golf apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
14 and 15 are diagrams illustrating a screen screen displayed to a user in the virtual golf apparatus of FIG. 13 .

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail through examples. Objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be easily understood through the following examples. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, and may be embodied in other forms. The embodiments introduced herein are provided so that the disclosed content can be thorough and complete, and so that the spirit of the present invention can be sufficiently conveyed to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited by the following examples.

Although terms such as first, second, etc. are used herein to describe various elements, the elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish the elements from each other. Also, when an element is referred to as being over another element, it means that it may be formed directly over the other element or that a third element may be interposed therebetween.

In the drawings, the size of the elements, or the relative sizes between the elements, may be exaggerated for a clearer understanding of the present invention. In addition, the shape of the element shown in the drawings may be slightly changed due to variations in the manufacturing process, or the like. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification should not be limited to the shapes shown in the drawings unless otherwise noted, but should be understood to include some degree of deformation.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic structure of a virtual golf apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a relationship between main components of the virtual golf apparatus of FIG. 1 .

1 and 2, the virtual golf device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a hitting plate (HP), a sensing unit 10, an input unit 20, a control unit 30 and a display unit 40. include

The hitting plate (HP) is an area in which the user is positioned to hit the golf ball, and the hitting plate (HP) is provided with a hitting mat, so that the user places the golf ball on the hitting mat and hits. Although not shown in the drawings, an auto tee having a vertically movable structure is installed on the hitting mat, so that a golf ball for hitting may be provided to the user through the auto tee.

The sensing unit 10 serves to collect information about the hitting of the user using the screen golf. The sensing unit 10 is provided with a sensing means capable of sensing the physical state of the golf ball, such as the speed, the moving direction, the moving angle of the golf ball hit by the user. As the sensing means, various detection sensors or cameras may be used. The camera or the detection sensor may be used alone or may be used together, and may be used singularly or used in plurality.

The input unit 20 is used when information input from the user is required, such as when the user inputs his/her ID or password to log in, or when the user selects a golf course or play difficulty that the user wants to play. As the input unit 20 , an input device such as a keyboard or mouse, or various means such as a touch screen may be used.

Information obtained through the sensing unit 10 and the input unit 20 is transmitted to the control unit 30 . The controller 30 controls the overall operation of the virtual golf device by using the transmitted information. For example, when the information sensed by the sensing unit 10 is transmitted with respect to the physical state of the golf ball hit by the user, the controller 30 controls the flight trajectory when it is assumed that the golf ball actually flies on the golf course in the sensed state. to calculate Also, when the user inputs a specific golf course to be played through the input unit 20 , the control unit 30 operates to display the golf course.

When the control unit 30 calculates the flight trajectory of the golf ball or operates to display the specific golf course selected by the user, the display unit 40 displays an image moving along the calculated flight trajectory of the golf ball at the specific golf course selected by the user. provided to the user. Since the golf ball in the video is not an actual golf ball, it is called a virtual golf ball for convenience. In addition, in order not to confuse not only the golf ball but also the object appearing in the image with the real object, the term 'virtual' or 'virtual' may be added to other objects in the image if necessary. For example, a golf course expressed in an image may be named a virtual golf course. The display unit 40 includes an image output unit 41 and a screen 42 . The image output unit 41 is configured as a device such as a beam projector to project an image to be displayed to the user on the screen 42 , and the projected image is displayed on the screen 42 and provided to the user.

As described above, when the user hits the golf ball at a specific location, the control unit 30 calculates the flight trajectory of the hit golf ball based on the sensing information from the sensing unit 20 , and the calculation is performed by the screen 42 . As a result, a moving image of the virtual golf ball is displayed, and at this time, the virtual golf ball flies on the calculated trajectory and then lands on a specific point of the virtual golf course in the screen 42, and the user sees the virtual golf ball The strike continues from the point of landing.

The virtual golf apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may predict and show the user's hitting result before the user hits, and in this regard, the prediction unit 1 and the storage unit 2 are provided. The prediction unit 1 serves to predict the hitting result, and the storage unit 2 stores various information necessary for the operation of the prediction unit 1 . The information stored in the storage unit 2 may be used not only for the prediction unit 1 but also for the operation of the control unit 30 . The prediction unit 1 and the storage unit 2 may be provided separately from the control unit 30 , or the prediction unit 1 and the storage unit 2 may be provided integrally with the control unit 30 .

Hereinafter, a method of predicting the hitting result in the prediction unit 1 will be described. Various methods may be applied in predicting the hitting result in the prediction unit 1, and in this embodiment, a method using information of users of a level similar to that of a user currently preparing to hit may be used.

3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method (particularly, a process of predicting a hitting result in the prediction unit) of the virtual golf apparatus of FIG. 1 , and FIGS. 4 to 6 are views showing the detailed structure of the storage unit of FIG. 2 , and FIG. 7 is a view showing a selection range of various sample groups, and FIGS. 8 and 9 are views showing a screen on which a predicted hitting result is displayed.

3, in the process of predicting the hitting result, the user level calculation (S10), the sample group selection (S20), the information analysis of the sample group (S30), the hitting result prediction (S40), the prediction result display (S50) Steps are included, and each step is discussed individually below.

In calculating the user's level (S10), the user's level may be calculated based on the user's play information. Since the screen golf course is usually operated by a membership system, a login process is performed to confirm the membership type before providing the screen golf service. The screen golf service may be provided in a state in which the user's identity is verified through login, and a play record of the user may be stored in the corresponding user information while the identified user plays screen golf. Accordingly, the user's level may be calculated based on the stored user's play information. There may be cases where there is no user's play information (such as when a user uses the screen golf course for the first time or simply plays in guest mode without logging in), in this case, the user arbitrarily enters his or her level into the input unit (20). ), and the method in which the user arbitrarily inputs his/her level in this way is selectively applicable to existing users who have play information. For reference, in golf, a user's level may be expressed in terms of 'handicap'. In general, based on the 18 hole 72 strokes, if the score recorded by the user is 82 strokes, the user's handicap becomes 10, which is the difference between 82 and 72 strokes. If the handicap is large, it means that the average number of strokes for 18 holes is high, so that the user's golf level is low. In the case of a negative handicap, it means that the average score of 18 holes is less than 72 strokes, so the user's golf level is high.

Referring to FIG. 4 , a different storage area is allocated to each user in the storage unit 2 , and various information may be stored in the area allocated to each user. For example, when there are different users A and B, in the storage unit 2, an area P1 for storing information on user A and an area P2 for storing information on user B are separated from each other. In each user space, a user's personal information DB, a user's play information DB, a user's level information DB, and the like may be provided. The user's personal information DB stores the user's personal information and may be used in the login process. The user's play information DB stores the records played by the user, and may be provided for the user to read or used for prediction of hitting, etc. The user's level information DB records the level evaluated for the user, and may be provided for the user to read or used for prediction of hitting, etc. The user's level is not fixed, and may be changed accordingly as the user's play record is updated.

In the storage unit 2, another method may be used when allocating a storage area for each user. Referring to FIG. 5 , as in FIG. 4 , the storage area can be divided according to the user level without separately forming the user level information DB. For example, when there are different users A, B, C, and D, users A and B belong to level 1 and users C and D belong to level 2, the storage unit 2 contains users belonging to level 1 An area N1 for , and an area N2 for users belonging to level 2 are separated from each other, and an area P1 for storing information on user A and an area P2 for storing information on user B are An area P3 for storing information on user C and an area P4 for storing information on user D, which are formed in the level 1 area N1, may be formed in the level 2 area N2. .

The user's level may be calculated based on data stored in the user's play information DB. The user's play information DB may store the number of plays, play time, play records, and the like. The greater the number of plays or play time, the more played than other users. In general, the more you play, the better your skills and the higher your level. In addition, in relation to the user's play record, for example, the average number of strokes, driver distance, fairway landing rate, green accuracy, average number of putts, etc. may be calculated and stored from the user's past record, and at least one of these may be calculated can be used for

Average number of strokes means the average value of adding the number of strokes recorded by the user and dividing it according to the number of odds. In general, on a golf course consisting of a total of 18 holes, adding up the required number of strokes makes 72 strokes. Professional golfers record strokes in their late 60s or early 70s, and the general public is recognized as an advanced player if they enter within 80 strokes. As an example of calculating the level based on the average number of strokes, the case where the average number of strokes is 60 is the highest level, and after that, the lower level can be divided based on 2 strokes or 3 strokes (~69 strokes/70-71 strokes) /72-73/74-75, etc.).

In addition to the average number of strokes, driver distance, fairway landing rate, green accuracy, average number of putts, etc. can be used to calculate the level. Driver distance refers to the distance a golf ball flies by a driver shot. Since the ultimate goal is to reduce the number of strokes in golf, if the distance is longer than that of others, the possibility of reducing the number of strokes increases. The flying distance does not increase simply because of strength, but it can be affected by technical aspects such as swing posture and swing accuracy at impact with the golf ball, so it can be seen that the longer the flying distance, the higher the level of golf skill. The level can be divided in the range of about 3m - 5m based on the flying distance of 200. The fairway landing rate (Driver Accuracy) is a numerical measure of how much the driver's tee shot landed on the fairway (without falling into the rough or bunker). The number of times the tee shot landed on the fairway on the hole, expressed as a percentage. For example, 64.28% (9/14 = 0.6428) of the tee shot on the 9th fairway out of 14 holes. Green accuracy is calculated as the percentage (%) of the number of times a golf ball is placed on the green below the standard stroke and is calculated similarly to the fairway landing rate. For example, when a golf ball is placed on the green at Par 3 hole 1, Par 4 2, and Par 5 3, the green accuracy is within the standard stroke. For example, golf 10 out of 18 holes within the standard stroke. If the ball is on the green, it is 55.5% (10/18=0.555). The average number of putts is calculated by dividing the total number of putts by 18 during a round of 18 holes. For example, if the total number of putts is 30, it becomes 1.67 (30/18 = 1.666).

As above, the driver distance represents the long hitting ability of the driver shot, the fairway landing rate or green accuracy represents the shot accuracy, and the average number of putts represents the putting accuracy. have.

In the end, average number of strokes represents a golfer's ability in a comprehensive way, and driver distance, fairway landing rate, green accuracy, average number of putts, etc. represent a golfer's ability in specific specific aspects in detail. can be accurately calculated.

Meanwhile, in addition to the above-mentioned number of plays, play time, and play record, personal information of the user himself/herself may be used for level calculation. For example, the user's gender or age may also be used to calculate the level. Since the basic ability in golf play may vary depending on the gender or age of the user, not only play-related data but also the user's personal information may be considered for level calculation. For example, if user A and user B both have an average driving distance of 200, user A is male and user B is female, user B may be given a higher level. Also, if both user A and user B have an average driving distance of 200, user A is a male in his 20s and user B is a male in his 50s, a higher level may be given to user B.

Alternatively, after classifying the user into a plurality of groups according to the user's gender or age, the level may be calculated in the divided group according to play information. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , users are divided into two groups according to men and women, and levels are calculated based on the user's play information in each male group (G1) and female group (G2). After that, each user's storage area can be formed according to the user level.

Referring back to FIG. 3 , after calculating the user's level, a sample group is selected as the next step ( S20 ). The sample group is selected as a group of users having a level similar to that of the user, including the group of the level to which the currently playing user belongs. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A , the sample group may be selected from among users having the same level (N) as the currently playing user. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7( b ), the sample group is to be selected from among users having the same level (N) as the currently playing user and users having a level (N+1) one step higher than the currently playing user. can Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7( c ), the sample group includes a user having the same level (N) as the currently playing user, a user having a level (N+1) one step higher than the currently playing user, and the currently playing user. It may be selected from among users having a level (N-1) one level lower than the user. Alternatively, the sample group may be selected in another method not shown in the drawings. For example, the sample group may be selected from among users having the same level as the currently playing user and users having a level one level lower than the currently playing user. Alternatively, the sample group may be selected from users having the same level as the currently playing user and users having a level higher or lower than the currently playing user by several steps.

Referring back to FIG. 3 , when the sample group is selected as above, information of users belonging to the sample group is analyzed ( S30 ). The information analyzed here is used when predicting the hitting result. The reason for selecting the sample group is to secure sufficient data to increase the reliability of the prediction result in predicting the hitting result of the user currently playing. The user's own data currently playing may not be sufficient as the basis data for predicting the hitting result, and as the amount of the basis data is abundant, the reliability of the prediction result may be increased. However, in the case of adding data of arbitrary users in order to secure the base data abundantly, if the level difference between the user of the added data and the user currently playing is large, the added data causes the user currently playing due to the added data. The accuracy of prediction of hitting results may be reduced. Therefore, in order to secure abundant data and at the same time accurately predict the hitting result of the currently playing user, the present invention secures data from a sample group having similar ability to the currently playing user. When selecting a sample group, if only users having the same level as the user currently playing can secure enough data to predict the hitting result, the sample group can be selected as shown in Fig. 7(a). . In addition, if sufficient data to predict the hitting result cannot be secured only with users having the same level as the user currently playing, the range of the sample group can be expanded as shown in FIGS. 7(b), (c), etc. have.

Referring back to FIG. 3 , after analyzing past play information of users belonging to the sample group, the hitting result of the currently playing user is predicted based on this ( S40 ). Here, there may be various targets of the predictable 'hit result'. For example, it is possible to predict how many shots will be made in a specific hole before the tee shot, or predict what the trajectory or distance of a golf ball will be when a tee shot is made at a specific hole, or putting in a specific hole putting situation. You can predict whether it will succeed or fail. In other words, it is possible to predict various hitting results for various situations occurring in golf.

In predicting hitting results for various situations occurring in golf, various calculation methods may be applied for the prediction. For example, when it is desired to predict how many shots a user currently playing will make a hole-in at a specific hole before making a tee shot, data of play results (number of strokes) at the specific hole of users belonging to the sample group may be used. For example, when the currently playing user wants to hit a tee shot on a Par3 hole, user A belonging to the sample group played 3 times on the hole, bogey (4 strokes), bogey (4 strokes), and par (3 strokes). If it was recorded (example: 2 times, par: 1 time), the data is extracted. Also, if user B of the sample group played 2 times at the hole and recorded bogie (4 strokes) and birdie (2 strokes), data of (bogey: 1 time, buddy: 1 time) is extracted. After extracting data for all users belonging to the sample group in this way, summed data such as (double view: 100 times, view: 200 times, par: 50 times, buddy: 50 times) can be formed. , by using the summed data, it is possible to probabilistically calculate how many strokes the currently playing user will play in the corresponding hole. For example, the probability of 'double bogey (6 strokes)' may be calculated as 25% (100 times/(100 times + 200 times + 50 times + 50 times)).

As described above, the prediction of the hitting result may be to calculate the probability that each situation will occur for various situations that may come out as a result. Alternatively, the prediction of the hitting result may be to predict any one of the two results of success/failure for a specific situation, as will be described below.

For example, in a putting situation, it is possible to predict the hitting result of whether the putt will succeed or fail. In this case, various calculation methods may be applied. For example, when a currently playing user puts on a specific hole of a specific golf course, it is possible to predict the success or failure of putting of the currently playing user by analyzing the results of the users of the sample group playing on the same specific hole. For the prediction, first, data that can be a basis for judging the success of putting is extracted from the past play records of the sample group users. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that there are only two variables that can affect putting by simplifying the calculation model. That is, it is assumed that there are only two variables as the above variables: the distance (x) between the hole cup and the point where the golf ball is placed during putting, and the putting ability (eg, average number of putts) (y) of the user performing the putting. If user A of the sample group made a past putt on the same golf course as the user currently playing and succeeded in putting under the conditions of x=x1, y=y1, data of (x1, y1, 1) is extracted, and user B If putting fails under the conditions of x=x2, y=y2, data of (x2, y2, 0) is extracted. If user C putts multiple times in the past on the same golf course as the user currently playing, data such as (x3, y3, 0), (x4, y4, 1) is extracted for each of the multiple times (y is user , y3 and y4 can be the same value because the y value for user C is constant). In this way, data such as "(x1, y1, 1), (x2, y2, 0), ..., (xN, yN, 1)" is extracted for all users belonging to the sample group. After that, if the putting is successful by analyzing the extracted data of "(x1, y1, 1), (x2, y2, 0), ..., (xN, yN, 1)" with artificial intelligence using a technique such as machine learning _{and failure model can be set, and accordingly, if you input variable values (x user} , y _user ) corresponding to x and y for the user currently playing, the result of putting success can be predicted. Here, for convenience of explanation, two variables are assumed to be the basis for determining whether or not the putting is successful, but by adding various variables such as the topography or slope of the putting point, the accuracy of predicting the hitting result can be improved.

Although the success or failure of the putting has been described here, whether a shot in a specific situation other than putting (for example, a bunker shot or an approach shot, etc.) will succeed can be predicted in a similar way.

Above, the process of predicting hitting results in specific situations such as batting prediction and putting success in a specific hole has been described, but this is only an example to help understanding, and it is possible to predict hitting results for other situations not described here. can In addition, the calculation process for predicting the hitting result is only described with a simple method as an example to help understanding, and in reality, a more complicated calculation process may be required, and a calculation method other than the method described above may be used.

Referring back to FIG. 3 , after predicting the hitting result as above, the predicted result in the next step is displayed and shown to the user ( S50 ). As described above, if the currently playing user predicts how many strokes the hole will be played before the tee shot, as shown in FIG. 8, the probability of becoming a birdie, the probability of being a par, the probability of being a bogey, etc. You can make it appear on this screen. The sum of the situational probabilities displayed on the screen may or may not be 100%. For example, if the sum of the probability of becoming a birdie, the probability of being a par, and the probability of being a bogey is 90%, and the sum of the probabilities for various other situations is 10%, the probability of each of the remaining situations In this low case, it is possible to display them on the screen only for situations with relatively high probability without separately displaying them.

In addition, if, as described above, if the currently playing user predicts the success of putting before putting, if the putting is successful according to the prediction result, the image as shown in FIG. 9 (if the prediction result is unsuccessful, putting ) can be displayed on the screen.

In this way, by predicting and showing the hitting result to the user who uses the screen golf, there is an effect that can induce interest in the screen golf to the user. In addition, from the user's point of view, there is an effect that can be used as an opportunity to improve their golf skills while checking the shortcomings of the user by looking at the predicted hitting results and trying to supplement them.

10 to 12 are views showing schematic structures of various types of virtual golf apparatuses according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the virtual golf apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of screen golf courses 100 and a central server 200 . The screen golf course 100 is connected to the central server 200 through a wired/wireless communication network or the like. As such, this embodiment is different from the previous embodiment in that a plurality of screen golf courses 100 are connected through a wired/wireless communication network, but the internal configuration of the individual screen golf courses 100 includes the virtual golf device (Fig. 1) can be applied as it is. Therefore, in the screen golf course 100, a sensing unit (refer to reference numeral 10 in FIG. 1), an input unit (refer to reference numeral 20 in FIG. 1), a control unit (refer to reference numeral 30 in FIG. 1) and a display unit (refer to reference numeral 40 in FIG. 1) ) may be provided, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The central server 200 is used by a service provider who operates a plurality of screen golf courses 100 to manage a plurality of screen golf courses 100 . A user who wants to use the screen golf service logs in first in order to receive the service, and the central server 200 checks the identity of the user when logging in and determines whether to approve the login.

The virtual golf apparatus according to the present embodiment may also provide the user after predicting the hitting result of the user, and for this purpose, the prediction unit 1 and the storage unit 2 are provided. 11 , the prediction unit 1 and the storage unit 2 may be provided in the central server 200 . Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12 , the prediction unit 1 may be provided in the screen golf course 100 and the storage unit 2 may be provided in the central server 200 . When both the prediction unit 1 and the storage unit 2 are provided in the central server 200, even if the prediction unit 1 is not provided in each screen golf course 100, play at each screen golf course 100 It has the advantage of being able to predict and show the hitting result to the user. However, the operation of predicting the hitting result in the prediction unit 1 requires a complicated calculation process or artificial intelligence operation, so when a request is made to predict the hitting result at once from a plurality of screen golf courses 100, it is possible to process it simultaneously due to system performance. It may not be possible, and in preparation for such a case, only the storage unit 2 may be provided in the central server 200 and the prediction unit 1 may be provided for each screen golf course 100 . Since the storage unit 2 does not perform a direct blow prediction operation and simply stores information necessary for the operation of the prediction unit 1, even if it is provided only in the central server 200, there is no significant problem in system performance. In addition, when a user requests a login and the central server 200 processes it, the central server 200 needs to refer to the user's personal information to confirm the user's identity and determine whether to approve the login, If the storage unit 2 for storing the user's personal information is provided in the central server 200, the central server 200 can immediately refer to the user's personal information and quickly process the login procedure. .

13 is a block diagram illustrating a relationship between main components of a virtual golf apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 14 and 15 are diagrams illustrating a screen screen displayed to a user in the virtual golf apparatus of FIG. 13 .

Referring to FIG. 13 , the virtual golf device includes a sensing unit 10 , an input unit 20 , a control unit 30 , an image output unit 41 and a display unit 40 having a screen 42 , and also the user's hitting It includes a prediction unit 1 and a calculation unit 2 for predicting a result. Since the above-described configurations are the same as those of the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1 , detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. The virtual golf apparatus according to the present embodiment further includes a virtual player generating unit 3 . As shown in FIG. 13 , the virtual player generation unit 3 is formed separately from the prediction unit 1 , or the virtual player generation unit 3 is not formed separately and is incorporated into the prediction unit 1 or the control unit 30 . Thus, the prediction unit 1 or the control unit 30 can even perform the role of the virtual player generation unit 3 .

The virtual player generation unit 3 generates a virtual player that plays as predicted by the prediction unit 1 , and the generated virtual player may be displayed on the screen 42 as shown in FIG. 14 . Previously, an example of predicting how many shots a user will record until completing a specific hole has been described. For example, if it is predicted that the user will record a 'look' at a specific hole of a specific golf course that the user wants to play now, the virtual player will Play so that the score is 'bogey' in the hole. In this regard, the user who is currently playing may play 'bogey' as predicted, or play with better results (par, birdie, etc.) or bad results (double bogey, etc.) than predicted. You can play a golf match between the player and the user while comparing the results of the user's play. When the user and the virtual player compete, the user and the virtual player take turns hitting each other in their order, and both the user and the virtual player's play results may be displayed on the screen 42 . As described above, since the hitting result of the currently playing user is calculated from information of users of the same or similar level as the corresponding user, the golf skills of the virtual player and the user who is actually playing are similar. Therefore, since the players' golf skills are not significantly different, the user can play with the virtual player in an interesting way with tension. In general, when playing alone, there may be a problem that the desire to compete or motivation is lower than when playing with others, but in the case of providing a virtual player, it is possible to play with a virtual player and play interestingly alone. There are advantages.

The virtual player generator 3 may generate a plurality of virtual players. If there are a plurality of currently playing users A and B, the virtual player generating unit 3 may generate a virtual player A1 based on the level of the user A and a virtual player B1 based on the level of the user B. The virtual player A1 hits the user A according to the predicted hitting result, and the virtual player B1 hits the user B according to the predicted hitting result. In this case, the user A and the virtual player A1 may compete, and the user B and the virtual player B1 may compete. As shown in FIG. 15 , the screen 42 displays a window W1 for a match between user A and virtual player A1 (first match) and a window W1 for a match between user B and virtual player B1 (second match). Each window W2 may be displayed. The windows W1 and W2 may display the current play status (eg, total number of strokes) of each game party, and users can easily check their game status while viewing the windows W1 and W2. have.

If the skill difference between User A and User B is large, even if the match is played together, the result of the match is easily predicted and the tension of the match is inevitably reduced. A match with a plurality of virtual players can compensate for this. That is, since a virtual player generated from play information data of a sample group having the same or similar level of golfing ability as the user is provided, user A plays a game with virtual player A1 of a similar level to the user A, and user B also competes with himself/herself. You can play an indirect match between users A and B while playing against a virtual player B1 of a similar level. For example, as a result of the virtual match, if user A beats virtual player A1 by two strokes and user B beats virtual player B1 by one stroke, user A may be considered to have won the match with user B. can Even if there is a significant difference in skill between users A and B, users A and B have an advantage in that they can play fairly with each other without diminishing interest in the match because they competed with virtual players having similar skills.

Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been reviewed as above, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can understand that the present invention can be implemented in a modified form without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. will be. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered from an illustrative point of view rather than a limiting point of view. The scope of the present invention is shown in the claims rather than the above description, and all differences within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being included in the present invention.

1: Prediction unit
2: storage
3: Virtual player creation unit
10: detection unit
20: input unit
30: control unit
40: display unit
100: screen golf course
200: central server

Claims (14)

a storage unit for storing information of a plurality of users;
a prediction unit for predicting a hitting result before the currently playing user hits the golf ball; and
a display unit for displaying the hitting result predicted by the prediction unit;
Including,
The prediction unit predicts the hitting result based on information of a user belonging to a sample group consisting of a plurality of users, and predicts the hitting result of the current user by reflecting information of other users other than the current user who is currently playing
Virtual golf device. a storage unit for storing information of a plurality of users;
a prediction unit for predicting a hitting result before the currently playing user hits the golf ball; and
a display unit for displaying the hitting result predicted by the prediction unit;
Including,
The predicted hitting result includes a first hitting result and a second hitting result, and the prediction unit calculates a first probability that the first hitting result and a second probability that the second hitting result will come out, and the display unit A virtual golf device displaying the first and second hitting results and the first and second probabilities. The method of claim 1,
Each of the plurality of users, a virtual golf device having a level calculated based on their own information. The method of claim 3,
The information used to calculate the level is a virtual golf device including at least one of a number of plays, a play time, a play record, a gender, and an age. The method of claim 3,
The sample group includes a currently playing user and a user having the same level as that of the currently playing virtual golf device. The method of claim 5,
The sample group further includes a user with a level higher or lower than that of the currently playing virtual golf device. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
A virtual golf device provided with a virtual player hitting according to the hitting result predicted by the prediction unit so as to compete with the user currently playing. The method of claim 7,
The currently playing user includes a first user and a second user,
The virtual player hits according to the hitting result predicted for the first user, and hits according to the predicted hitting result for the first virtual player and the second user that competes with the first user, and plays a game with the second user. Includes 2 virtual players,
A virtual golf device capable of indirectly competing between the first and second users based on a match result between the first user and the first virtual player and a match result between the second user and a second virtual player. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
The predicted hitting result is a virtual golf device including at least one of a flying distance of the hit golf ball, an expected number of strokes from a specific golf course to a hole-in, and whether the hitting will be successful in a specific situation. a storage step of storing information of a plurality of users;
A prediction step of predicting a hitting result before the currently playing user hits the golf ball; and
a display step of displaying the hitting result predicted in the prediction step;
Including,
The prediction step predicts the hitting result based on the information of the user belonging to the sample group consisting of a plurality of users, and predicts the hitting result of the current user by reflecting the information of other users other than the current user who is currently playing
A method of operating a virtual golf device. a storage step of storing information of a plurality of users;
A prediction step of predicting a hitting result before the currently playing user hits the golf ball; and
a display step of displaying the hitting result predicted in the prediction step;
Including,
The predicted hitting result includes a first hitting result and a second hitting result, and the prediction unit calculates a first probability that the first hitting result and a second probability that the second hitting result comes out, and the display unit calculates the second probability A method of operating a virtual golf device for displaying the first and second hitting results and the first and second probabilities. The method of claim 10,
Each of the plurality of users, the operating method of the virtual golf device having a level calculated based on their own information. The method of claim 12,
The information used to determine the level includes at least one of a play count, play time, play record, gender, and age. The method of claim 12,
The sample group includes a currently playing user and a user of the same level as the currently playing user.

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